ACE’S ACTIVITY

BOOK

Fun and Facts Relating to the ACE Basin Reserve

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What is the ACE Basin? ..................... 3

What Doesn’t Belong? ....................... 4

Navigate the Edisto ............................. 5

Home for People ................................. 6

Make a Basket ..................................... 7

What is an Estuary? ........................... 8

Habitats in the ACE Basin ................... 9

Detritus .............................................. 10

What’s That Smell? ........................... 11

The Food Chain ........................... 12-13

Your Own Turtle ................................. 14

Home Sweet Home ............................ 15

Hidden Pictures ................................. 16

You Are Here ..................................... 17

Snakes in the ACE ............................. 18

Estuarine Habitats ........................... 19

Coastal Plants and Animals ......... 20-21

Red Drum .......................................... 22

Oysters .............................................. 23

Fiddler Crab ....................................... 24

Egret .................................................. 25

Alligators ............................................ 26

Hopping Frog Origami ....................... 27

Nature’s Playground .......................... 28

Come Prepared ................................. 29

Respect the Environment .................. 29

Estuaries Nationwide ......................... 30

Glossary ............................................. 30

What’s Up? ........................................ 31

The Purpose of This BookThis activity book is a fun way to reinforce and enrich every student’s ACE Basin experience ... to instill a stronger awareness and respect for environmentalism and conservation, to broaden their knowledge of this area where they co-exist with a diversityof other life forms, and to encourage them to enjoy the adventure and discovery within Coastal South Carolina.

Materials NeededMost activities require a pencil or pen. Other activities list ingredients or materials needed.

These pages can alsobe used as coloring pages.Enjoy ... in the classroom, or at home with your family.

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The __ __ __ __ __ __ __, the __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __,

and the __ __ __ __ __ __ Rivers.

The ACE Basin is a coastal region of South Carolina. It is one of the largest estuaries on the East Coast of the United States. Inland areas are forests, with extensive marshes spreading toward the ocean. It is home to abundant plant and animal life, includingmany endangered species. This region also has a rich history of culture and tradition.

To discover the three rivers from which the ACE Basin was named, follow the path through the maze. Put each letter, in order, on the blanks below.

The way to say it:Ashepoo ... ASHY-pooCombahee ... CUM-bee Edisto ... ED-i-stow

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Circle these objects which do not belong in the marsh .

The greatest threat to the environment is man. Help keep ourhome clean and safe by putting trash where it belongs.

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The Edisto River is the largest of the three rivers that form the ACE Basin, and is the longest blackwater river in North America. It flows more than 300 miles from its headwaters near Aiken, South Carolina down to St. Helena Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.

Help this kayaker navigate the Edisto.

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In addition to the ecological value of the ACE Basin, the region is also rich in history. Historic landmarks such as old plantation homes, forts, cemeteries and churches are preserved. Cultural traditions are passed from generation to generation.

The ACE Basin has been inhabited by humans since the Native Americans settled here, about 6,000 years ago. As a matter of fact ... Edisto, Combahee, and Ashepoo are names of Native American tribes that lived in the area. Artifacts, such as arrowheads, and evidence of their subsistance can still be found today. The French and Spanish established settlements in the 16th century. However, the Indians continued to dominate the area, until they were displaced by later European settlements. Large scale agriculture and timber production began. Slavery was introduced to manage the cultivation of rice.

A unique culture ... Gullah ... developed. Through the Gullah, African traditions continue today through culinary practices, folklore, song, and language. The artistry of basket making is one of the most visible ongoing practices of the Gullah.

Circle the words, from this list, in the word search.

AfricanagriculturearrowheadsartifactsbasketecologicalfolkloreFrenchGullahhistoryIndianslandmarksplantationriceslaverysongSpanishtimbertraditions

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Materials: Large sheets of construction paper, scissors, glue stick, ruler, pencil

Instructions (per basket):1. Cut 6 9-inch by 1-inch strips of construction paper. Cut 3 13-inch by 1-inch strips of construction paper.2. Weave basket as shown, with 9-inch strips. Fold strips straight up from base.3. Glue one 13-inch strip to bottom of vertical strip, weave horizontally through the vertical strips until the ends of that strip meet, glue to secure. Repeat weave up the sides of the basket with the other two 13-inch strips in the same manner. 4. Secure all loose ends at top of basket with glue.

Materials: Cardboard mail tubes with plastic caps, glue, nail, wooden skewers, sandpaper, rice (Optional: materials for decorating rain stick)

Instructions (per rain stick): Ask an adult for assistance.1. Punch holes at angles through the length of cardboard tube with a nail, about 1 - 3 inches apart.2. For each set of holes: Push skewer through the tube to stick out on the other side, trim ends, glue. After the glue dries, sand skewer tips smooth to side of tube.3. Glue one cap to end of the rain stick. Allow to dry. 4. Remove other cap, pour in 1 cup of rice. Glue cap to this end, allow to dry.5. Decorate as you wish.6. Hold the rain stick ... shake, or tilt gently from side to side. Listen to the rain.

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3 4

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Solve this puzzle, using the code, to reveal the definition of an estuary.

. Estuaries are essential habitats for wildlife.

. Two-thirds of the fish and shellfish caught in the United States depend on estuaries for their survival.. Wetlands on the shores of estuaries protect human communities from flooding by acting like a giant sponge during storm events.. Estuaries provide important recreational opportunities ... such as swimming, boating, fishing, birding, hiking, and hunting.. Estuaries are important nursery grounds for many larval and juvenile marine species.. Estuaries provide important resting and feeding grounds for many migrating birds.

Why are estuaries important?

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Diverse habitat allows a variety of plants and animals to thrive in the ACE Basin year-round.

Follow the trails to discover the different types of habitats found within the ACE Basin.List them on the blanks below.

_________________________ _________________________

_________________________ _________________________

_________________________ _________________________

____________________________________

maritime

islands

beaches

forests

barrier ocean

marshes

brackish

wetlands

fresh water

marshes

salt

pine and

hardwood uplands

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Detritus is an organic stew of nourishment and energy that feeds all living organisms in the estuary. Its a term that means “disintegrated matter” ... a slurry of decomposed marsh grass and animal matter in a solution of algae and bacteria. Tides carry detritus to all areas of the estuarine marsh.

Complete this puzzle, using words from the above definition of detritus.

For example:

The way to say it: DUH-try-tus

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Salt marsh smells are a natural occurence in coastal areas, and provide a clue to understandingits ecology. As decomposition occurs in the marsh mud, it releases a “stink”, especially on muggy days or when the mud is disturbed.

This smell comes from a mix of ingredients: Saltwater ... Prevailing winds spread the odor of a mineral mix of table salt, magnesium, epsom, calcium, potassium, and lime.Chlorophyll ... Marsh grasses release a green leafy smell, especially after a good rain.Decay ... Marsh muds are full of ammonia compounds from decomposing plants and animals, releasing gaseous nitrogen into the air.Sulfur ... When marsh mud is dug or disturbed, hydrogen sulfide (smells like rotten eggs) is released.

Label the causes of marsh smell, using the four terms above.

Ingredients: 1 box of chocolate pudding mix, milk, oreo cookies (2 per serving), thin pretzel sticksInstructions:1. Crush oreo cookies into chunks.2. Make pudding, according to package directions. Stir in oreo cookie chunks (to represent organic material). Pour into individual serving containers.3. Place a few pretzel sticks into top of pudding (to represent salt marsh grasses).4. Allow pudding to set before serving.

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Use the code to find the definition of a food chain.

The three basic types of organisms in the ACE Basin food chain are producers, consumers, and decomposers. Here is a list with examples of each organism:

PRODUCERS phytoplankton algae

CONSUMERS zooplankton crabs shellfish fish birds mammals reptiles amphibians

DECOMPOSERS bacteria fungi

I am a consumer.

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Fill in the blanks on the diagram, using the lists on page 12 for help.

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Make a loggerhead sea turtle.Make sharp creases on each fold.

1. Use a square piece of paper. Fold in half, side-to-side. Open.2. Turn the paper over. Fold the right and left points to the center fold line. 3. Turn over.4. Fold the outer corners to the center fold line.5. Unfold the top side points to the outer edge.6. Fold the top point down.7. Fold the point up (this will be the turtle’s head).

8. Fold the bottom edge to meet the center fold line. 9. Fold edge down. Repeat Steps 8 and 9, for the other foot.10. Turn over, decorate your turtle’s shell.

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6

5

432

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98

10

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Sea turtles eat a variety of organisms, including algae, seagrasses, sponges, crustaceans, jellyfish, and mollusks. With plentiful food, reduced threats to their survival, and conservation efforts the sea turtle calls the ACE Basin home.

Find your way through the maze on this loggerhead sea turtle’s shell, from start to finish.

How can you help my friend, the loggerhead?

Don’t leave trash on the beaches.

Keep your dogs on leashes. Don’t let them disturb turtle nests.

Keep lights off on or near the beaches during nesting season.

Recycle your plastics, especially the 6-pack soda rings, fishing line, and grocery bags.

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Find these shells in the collage of dolphins below:

Pen Shell

Lettered Olive ...South Carolina’sstate shell

EasternMud Snail

Banded Tulip

Lightening Welk

Periwinkle

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Label the areas of the ACE Basin on the map, using this list: Ashepoo River Atlantic Ocean Combahee River Edisto River St. Helena Sound

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __

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Did you know?There are 36 species (different kinds) of snakes in the ACE Basin. Six of these species are venomous.

Snakes play important ecological roles in the fragile ecosystems.They control the population of harmful rodents and pests, thus helping people. Though sometimes dangerous, snakes can be useful ... and, as with any species, they have the right to exist.

Coral Snake or Kingsnake? The Eastern Coral Snake is one of the poisonous snakes that is found in theACE Basin. Its mouth and fangs are small, but their poison is deadly and can cause many problems for humans if they are bitten. The Eastern Coral Snake is not very aggressive. In fact,it is a very shy snake and the majority of the bite cases are ones in which humans are trying to handle the snake. The head of the coral snake is black and the body is encircled by black rings with yellow margins that alternate with red bands. The Scarlet Kingsnake is a non-poisonous snake that is found in the ACE Basin. This snakes tries to trick people and other animals by having colors that are similar to the coral snake. However, you can tell the difference. Scarlet Kingsnakes are different in that they have red snouts and the yellow and red bands are separated by black. The saying,”red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, friend of jack” was coinedto remember which species is venomous.

Use the code to color the Eastern Coral Snake and the Scarlet Kingsnake.Notice the differences in the color patterns.

R = redY = yellowB = black

Eastern Coral Snake

Scarlet Kingsnake

R

R

R

R

R

Y

Y

Y

YY

B

B

BB

BB

B

B

B

B

B

B B

B

B

BB

B

B

B

B

B

B

BBBBB

BBB B

BB

BB

B

B

B

BB

B

YY

Y

Y

Y

Y YY

Y

YY

Y Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

YYY

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

YY

YY

R

R

R

R

R

RR

R

R

R R

R

RR

R R RR

Snake Snack Ingredients - large marsh- mallows, pretzel sticks, red or black licorice Push a pretzel stick into the flat end of a marshmallow, then push the flat end of another marshmallow onto the other end of the pretzel stick. Keep attaching alternating marshmallows and pretzel sticks, to the desired length of your snack (or make one giant snake for everyone to share). Push bits of lico-rice into the sides of the first marshmal-low for eyes. To form the tongue, split a piece of licorice, and push the solid end into the flat side of the first marshmal-low. Pinch the last marshmallow into a point for the tail.

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Find these inhabitants of the estuarine habitat in the word search puzzle.

ALLIGATORBASSBOBCATBLUE CRABCATFISHCLAMCORDGRASSCRABDEERDOLPHINDOVEEAGLEEGRETFERNFIDDLER CRABFLOUNDERFOXMOSQUITOMULLETOYSTERPELICANPINEPOISON IVYRABBITRACCOONRATTLESNAKERED DRUMSEA OATSSHARKSHRIMPSPARTINA SQUIRRELSTARFISHTERRAPIN

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This is the most abundant and ecologically important plant in the ACE Basin’s salt marshes.It provides the bulk of detritus to the marsh community, providing a major link in the food web.Many animals call this plant home.To find the name of this plant and what it looks like, color all the sections with a dot.

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Try signing these animals of the ACE Basin.

Eagle

Fish

Snake Dolphin

RaccoonShark

Lizard Turtle

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d

p

a cp

analcaudaldorsalpectoralpelvic

The ACE Basin is home to a wide diversity of fish habitats from the high salinity of St. Helena Sound to the freshwater rivers and streams that feed it. The red drum (spottail bass) is a saltwater fish that thrives in St. Helena Sound.

punch hole to attach yarn or fishing line

Use this red drum fish pattern to make several copies onto card stock, cut each fish out, decorate both sides with markers and glitter, punch a hole for hanging as shown on the pattern.

Tie varied lengthsof line to fish, tie other end of line to dowel rod (or hanger). Tie line to center of dowel rod for hanging.

Alternate: Write somethingyou have learned aboutthe ACE Basin on each side of the fish.

Draw a line from the description of the developmental stage of the larval red drum to its matching illustration. 1. Egg, 1 day after fertilization (.04 inch length) 2. Larva, 1 hour after hatching (.07 inch length) 3. Larva, at 1 1/2 days (.07 inch length) 4. Larva, at 4 days (.11 inch length) 5. Larva, at 8 days (.15 inch length) 6. Larva, at 13 days (.25 inch length)

Scale: .25 inch length

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Find your way through this oyster bed.

Circle the two oysters that match.

Why are oysters important? Filters: An adult oyster filters up to 50 gallons of water per day, improving water quality in the process. Habitat: Oysters build reefs which provide habitat for fish, shrimp, crabs, birds, and other animals. Erosion control: Oyster reefs are natural breakwaters that can protect shorelines.

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How many differences can you find in these two crabs?

Crack the code to find out why this crab is called “the fiddler”.

It is easy to distinguish between a male and femalefiddle crab. The females are smaller and lesscolorful. The male fiddler crab also has a large claw.

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Follow the directions to make this graceful egret.

Use an 11-inch square sheet of thin white paper (gift wrap works well). Crease FIRMLY on all folds.

1. Fold paper away from you diagonally, both ways. Open. 2. Fold paper toward you in half, both ways. Open. 3. Bring all corners together, folding in sides. 4. On top layer, fold two side corners in to center (making a kite shape). Flip, repeat on other side. 5. Fold the top corner down toward you, crease along the top edge of the fold from Step 4. Open folds from Step 4 and 5. 6. Lift the bottom corner, using the horizontal crease (top layer only). Pull up to the top, using the creases made in Step 4. Flip, repeat on other side. (The top flaps will be the wings, the bottom flaps will be the neck and tail.) 7. Fold in each side (like in Step 4), to make the neck and tail thinner. Flip, repeat on other side. 8. Fold the right flap at the center line, to lay over the left flap (like turning a book page). Flip, repeat on other side. 9. Fold up the bottom corner from the top layer, along crease, to meet corners at top. Flip, repeat on other side.10. Repeat “page-turning” action, as in Step 8 (fold right flap at center line, over left flap). Flip, repeat on other side.11. Pull out two points from between flaps (wings), to the angle shown. Press down along the base of the egret to make it sit in place.12. The make the egret’s head, bend one of the points down. Using your thumbnail, reverse the crease in the head, and pinch it to form a beak. Bend the wings down.

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5 6

78 9

1011

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Alligator Snack

1. An alligator’s tail is half of its length.

4. Alligators chew their food.

1. T - The tail is extremely powerful. It is used to propel the alligator through water, and is used to restrain prey. 2. T - Conservation efforts have saved the alligator from extinction. 3. F - An alligator’s natural habitat is only in the coastal southeastern United States.4. F - Alligators bite their prey, tear off chunks, and swallow them whole. 5. T - Always use caution in an alligator’s known habitat.

Ingredients for each alligator snack ... 1 celery stalk, 4 wedges orange or apple, peanut butter, raisins

INSTRUCTIONS1. Trim ends of celery stalk. Cut wedge into large end (for alligator’s mouth).2. Spread peanut butter in celery stalk. Turn over onto plate. Use peanut butter to place 2 raisin eyes, 4 orange wedges.3. Enjoy!

Alligators in the ACE Basin can grow to be more than 13 feet in length, weighing 450-500 pounds. The male alligator is usually much larger than the female. The female can lay 25 - 70 eggs, which hatch in 2 - 3 months. The hatchlings are about 8 inches in length at birth, completely independent, and quickly take to the water. Alligators grow about 12 inches a year, and reach maturity in about 6 years. Even though they are large animals, alligators need just one pound of food a week. However, there’s plenty to feast on in the ACE Basin.Unscramble the words below and fill this gators stomach with food he might find in his habitat.

abcrtleurt Actually, the alligator will try to eat just about anything it can get in its mouth.

nocraocorfgkaesnsihfdibr

3. Alligators can be found throughout the United States.

5. When charging, an angry alligator can outrun a man for 100 feet.

2. Alligators were once close to extinction.

The name alligator comes from the Spanish word “el lagarto”, which means “the lizard”.

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You will need one sheet of green letter-size paper per frog, and markers or crayonsto decorate your origami hopping frog.

Instructions: (Crease all folds firmly.)1. Fold left corner to right side. Open.2. Fold right corner to left side. Open.3. Fold to back, at intersection of diagonal folds. Open.4. Fold flap forward. Push sides in at folds to form a “tent”.5. Fold bottom left corner to center top corner. Fold bottom right corner to center top corner. 6. Fold left side to center. Fold right side to center.7. Fold bottom edge up to meet side corners.8. Fold top edge of flap down to bottom edge.9. Draw eyes and decorate frog. Push edge of frog’s back to make him hop.

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2

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Unscramble these words to make a list of some things you can do in the ACE Basin.

inortug ltantonpsai _______________________________

guithnn ____________________________________________

incnoega nad gkkniaya ____________________

pgmainc ___________________________________________

ygpoohrtahp ______________________________________

kginib _____________________________________________

hgknii _____________________________________________

ntogbia ____________________________________________

gnicthawdirb ____________________________

Answers: touring plantations, hunting, canoeing and kayaking, camping, photography, biking, hiking, boating, birdwatching

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It is important that we all play a part in preserving our environment.

Color in all the areas with an A, C, or E to read a reminder for what you can do to help.

List some things you can do every day to respect the environment in which you live.

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Circle the things you might bring with you for a day in the ACE Basin.

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There are 27 estuarine reserves throughout the United States.As a partnership between NOAA and coastal states, these protected areas provide research and educational programs of relevance to its local and regional communities.

In this puzzle, place words that are associated with estuaries. All the words are in this activity book. One word is in place as an example.

ACE Basin - A coastal region of South Carolina named after the three rivers (Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto) that meet to form it. Artifacts - Handmade tools or ornaments made by a particular individual or culture. Barrier Island - Important in protecting estuaries from waves and erosion, and providing habitat for many animals. Blackwater - A deep, slow-moving channel that flows through forested swamps and wetlands. The color results from decaying leaves which have fallen into the water. Brackish Water - Water that is a mixture of salt water and fresh water. Consumers - An organism in the food chain that eats other organisms or plants. Decomposers - Those organisms that break down dead organic material. Diverse - Differing from one another. Ecosystem - A system of interactions between living organisms and their non-livingenvironment. Endangered - Animal species that are very low in number and are almost extinct. Estuary - Bodies of water and the coastal habitats that surround them; diverse habitats where the rivers meet the sea. Gullah - An English dialect, with customs and traditions. Practiced by descendants of African slaves, who still inhabit coastal regions of South Carolina. Habitat - A place or site where a plant or animal naturally lives and grows. Maritime Forest - A coastal woodland com-prised of trees and shrubs that are generally adapted to tolerate salt spray and moist soils. Producers - Organic matter which provides energy and nutrition for consumers within an ecosystem.. Salt Marsh - An area of low coastal grasslands which are at times covered by high tides. Spartina - The dominant (most abundant) plant in the salt marsh. It is very tolerant of salt and is important in the food web of the salt marsh. Venomous - Having the ability to produce a poison (as in some snakes).

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ACE has packed for a day of fishing. Find the differences between

these two pictures.

The ACE Basin NERR Education ProgramThe Reserve offers a variety of educational programs to K-12 students and teachers.

These programs range from classroom lectures to hands-on field experiences to professional teacher development opportunities. Programs are conducted at the Edisto Interpretive Center

on Edisto Island, and at the Michael D. McKenzie Field Station at Bennett’s Point. Reserve staff also provide regularly scheduled public programs and educational cruises, and they are always eager

to partner with schools, community-based organizations and volunteers.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, an Equal Opportunity Employer, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, disability, religion, or age. Direct inquiries to the Office of Human Resources, P.O. Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202.

Programs of the ACE NERR are made possible through a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Financial support for this publication was provided by a grant under the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act, administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, NOAA,

Silver Spring, MD. Copies of this publication are available at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 217 Fort Johnson Road, P.O. Box 12559, Charleston, SC 29422-2559.

For additional information on teacher development, ACE education programs (K-12), and self-guided educational experiences contact:Louie Heyward / Education Coordinator

Phone: 843-953-9156 / Fax: 843-953-9159 / Email: heywardl@dnr.sc.govWebsite: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/NERR/education.html